Method and apparatus for preparing weft yarn in a shuttleless loom

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for preparing a plurality of separate weft yarns each to be inserted into its individual separate sheds of arrayed warp yarns in a shuttleless loom. The method is carried out by inserting a plurality of different weft yarns, each in two consecutive steps, into the individual separate sheds of warp yarns whereby different or differently colored weft yarns may be picked. The apparatus includes a plurality of storage means for storing loops of weft yarns to be inserted into the shed of warp yarns, and a plurality of engaging means associated with the plurality of storage means for engaging the loops of the weft yarns at timed intervals to cause each of the weft yarns to be successively picked into the sheds of the warp yarns in two consecutive insertions.

United States Patent 1 Mizuno et al.

[54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING WEFT YARN IN A SHUTTLELESS LOOM [75] Inventors: Yokio Mizuno; Shigenori Tanaka,

both of Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan [73] Assignee: Nisson Motor Company, Limited, Yokohama, Japan [22] Filed: May 10, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 141,682

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 848,253, Aug. 7,

i969, abandoned.

[52] U.S.Cl ..l39/127 P UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,587,664 6/1971 Mullekom ..l39/l27 P Mar. 27, 1973 3,443,603 5/1969 Mullekom ..l39/l27 P 3,482,606 12/1969 Mizuno et al. ..l39/l27 P 3,596,683 8/l97l Dendo ..l39/l27 P Primary Examiner-Henry S. Jaudon AttorneyWilliam E. OBrien [57] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for preparing a plurality of separate weft yarns each to be inserted into its individual separate sheds of arrayed warp yarns in a shuttleless loom. The method is carried out by inserting a plurality of different weft yarns, each in two consecutive steps, into the individual separate sheds of warp yarns whereby different or differently colored weft yarns may be picked. The apparatus includes a plurality of storage means for storing loops of weft yarns to be inserted into the shed of warp yarns, and a plurality of engaging means associated with the plurality of storage means for engaging the loops of the weft yarns at timed intervals to cause each of the weft yarns to be successively picked into the sheds of the warp yarns in two consecutive insertions.

11 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures PATENTEUHARZYIHH sum 02 0F 13 a ac @m m nwm ma m N R Z N H lfin m 0 9 Y o o WS Z0 Mu nm 0 Q U M PATENTEUHARZ'U 3 722 551 SHEET [BM 13 VINVENTORS Yak/o 44/21/770 i Shoyenon 18min! BY McCarthy, De aoI; 0'Brlen Prnco.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDHARZYIQYZ 2, 551

sum on or 13 Hg. 5 270 FIRST INSERTION OF WEFT YARN REED AT FELL OF CLOTH SECOND INSERTION INVENTORS- a Mcfar My, DQPHODO'BTIQT] 63 Price ATTORNEYS PATEI-HEDMAR2 71973 SHEET USUF 13 FIRST INSERTION OF WEFT YARN SECOND INSERTION OF WEFT YARN INVENTORS PMENTEB 3.722551 SHEET USGF 13 INVENTORS ATTORN EYS PATENTEDHAR27|973 3.7 23551 SHEET 100F 13 INVENTOR S YuMo M/zuno fiuqenarl 'Emaka BY McCarthy DePaoh OBmen Pmcc ATTORNEYS PATENTEUmznm SHEET llUF 13 Q m m N HR m0 ow 0A 8 u Yd m w u U m M M f.\ m r un Q U C V M METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING WEFT YARN IN A SI-IU'ITLELESS LOOM This invention is a continuation-in-part of application of Ser. No. 848,253 Aug. 7, 1969 and now abancloned.

This invention relates to shuttleless looms and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for preparing a plurality of weft yarns to be inserted into a shed of arrayed warp yarns and woven into a fabric in such shuttleless looms.

An object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for preparing a plurality of separate weft yarns to be inserted into a shed of arrayed warp yarns whereby different or differently colored weft yarn may be picked to be woven into fabrics having particular pattern designs.

It is another object of this invention to provide a device for preparing a weft yarn to be smoothly inserted into the shed of warp yarns at the starting operation of the loom of this invention. I

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for reducing yarn breakages to a minimum after starting the loom of this invention thus producing a higher quality fabric and increasing the weaving efficiency.

These and other objects and features of this invention are achieved by the provision of a method of continuously preparing a plurality of separate weft yarns to be inserted, each in two consecutive steps, into a shed of warp yarns in a shuttleless loom.

The method consists of the repeated steps of drawing a plurality of weft yarns from a plurality of yarn supply packages at a predetermined ratio, feeding the weft yarns in different phases into respective storage members at the predetermined rate, drawing out a predetermined length of one of the weft yarns retained in one of the storage members and inserting the same into the shed of warp yarns while feeding weft yarns into the respective storage members at the predetermined rate, drawing out a remaining portion of the one of the weft yarns retained in the one of the storage members and inserting the same in sequence into a shed of warp yarns changed between two consecutive steps while continuously feeding the weft yarns into the respective storage members, and drawing out a predetermined length of another one of the weft yarns in sequence after the remaining portion of the one of the weft yarns has been inserted in two consecutive steps in the shed of warp yarns changed between two consecutive steps for commencing a succeeding cycle. Thus, the plurality of separate weft yarns are periodically inserted into the shed of warp yarns each in two consecutive steps by which different or differently colored weft yarns may be picked.

The apparatus includes a plurality of storage means for storing loops of weft yarns to be inserted into the shed of warp yarns, and a plurality of engaging means associated with the plurality of storage means for engaging the loops of the weft yarns at timed intervals to cause each of the weft yarns to be successively picked into the sheds of the warp yarns in two consecutive insertions.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inserting a plurality of weft yarns in a shuttleless loom for carrying out the method according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an engaging means forming part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section on line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a section on line IVIV of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5 8 are weaving cycle diagrams showing examples of timing and synchronization of essential moving parts of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an example of the relationship between the length of the weft yarn and times in the state stored in the storage chamber;

FIGS. 10 17 are diagrammatic views showing various steps in the operation of this invention;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a part of the fabric woven in accordance with the method of this invention;

FIGS. 19 21 are views illustrating a modified form of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 22 24 are views illustrating another modified form of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 25 27 are views illustrating still another modified form of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an auxiliary device for use in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 according to this invention.

The method of this invention will be hereinafter described as for preparing only two separate weft yarns to be in alternate two consecutive steps into individual sheds of arrayed warp yarns in a suttleless loom by way of example only, for the sake of simplicity of illustration. It should, however, be understood that more than two weft yarns may, of course, be inserted into individual sheds of warp yarns without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, there is schematically illustrated an apparatus for carrying out the method according to this invention which apparatus is generally shown by reference numeral 10.

The apparatus 10 includes a pair of yarn supply packages 11 and 12 from which two separate weft yarns, first weft yarn a and second weft yarn b, are continuously drawn off by a yarn feeding means 13. The yarn feeding means 13 may be of any suitable construction and in the illustrated embodiment comprises a feeding roller 14 and a pair of nip rollers 15 and 16. The nip rollers 15 and 16 are placed in a position to face in contact with the feeding roller 14 so that the weft yarns delivered from the yarn supply packages are passed therebetween. The feeding roller 14 is connected to and driven by a drive shaft of a motor (not shown) at a predetermined speed so as to continuously feed the weft yarns a and b into first and second storage means 17 and 18, respectively.

The first and second storage means 17 and 18 are disposed adjacent the feeding means 13 and adapted to temporarily store the weft yarns in loop forms before insertion into the shed S of arrayed warp yarns. The first storage means 17 includes a tubular member 19 having at one end thereof near the feeding means 13 a first weft yarn inlet 20 extending parallel to the axis of the tubular member 19 and serving as an entrance through which the first weft yarn leaving from the feeding means 13 is introduced into a storage chamber 19a. On the longitudinal periphery of the tubular member 19, a yarn outlet or slot 21 is formed which serves as an exit through which the stored weft yarn is supplied to a yarn inserting means as will be described hereinafter.

The second storage means 18, similarly, includes a tubular member 22 having therein a storage chamber 22a for temporarily storing the second weft yarn to be inserted. The tubular member 22 has a yarn inlet 23 at one end thereof near the feeding means 13, which yarn inlet 23 extends parallel to the axis of the tubular member 22. The tubular member 22 also has a yarn outlet or slot 24 formed on the longitudinal periphery of the tubular member 22 through which the weft yarn is passed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second storage means 17 and 18 are partly mounted in a casing 25 which is secured to a main body 26 of a shuttleless loom (a portion of which is illustrated in FIG. 1).

The storage chambers 19a and 22a of the first and second storage means 17 and 18 communicates with an air inlet portion 27 which in turn is connected through a flexible line 28 to a suitable source (not shown) of air pressure. The air pressure source may be of any known construction insofar as it functions to supply air under pressure into the respective storage chamber 19a and 22a for storing therein loops of the weft yarns a and b.

The instant apparatus further includes first and second engaging means 29 and 30 which are associated with first and second storing means 17 and 18, respectively, for alternately engaging one of the stored weft yarns so that the weft yarn is retained before its insertion into the shed S of arrayed warp yarns. As best seen in FIG. 2, the first engaging means 29 includes an engaging pin 31 which is adapted to be movably between engagement and disengagement positions by an actuating means as will be discussed in detail, for engaging the stored weft yarn to effect two consecutive insertions of the weft yarn into the shed S of warp yarns in such a manner as will be discussed. The engaging means 29 further includes a sleeve member 32 which is disposed on the tubular member 19. The sleeve member 32 includes two extensions 32a and 32b both extending outwardly from the circumferentially peripheral end of the sleeve member 32 and forming a space therebetween which is aligned with the slot 21 for guiding the first weft yarn. The extensions 32a and 32b are provided with elongated holes 33 through which the engaging pin 31 is movable in two opposite directions. Likewise, the second engaging means 30 includes an engaging pin 34 which is actuated by the actuating means for engaging the stored second weft yarn to effect two consecutive insertions of the second weft yarn into the shed S of the warp yarns. The engaging means 30 also includes a sleeve member 35 which has two extensions 35a and 35b both extending outwardly from the circumferentially peripheral end of the sleeve member 35 and forming a space therebetween which is aligned with the slot 24. The extensions 35a and 35b have elongated holes 36 through which the engaging pin 34 is movable in opposite directions. It is to be noted that the sleeve members 32 and 35 may be slidably disposed on the tubular members 19 and 22 so as to adjust positions of the associated engaging pins 31 and 33.

The actuating means, generally designated at 37, includes a bifurcated bell crank lever 38 having two arms or branches 38a and 3812 which are operatively connected to the engaging pins 31 and 34, respectively. As best shown in FIG. 2, the end portion of the bifurcated bell crank lever 38 is rotatable mounted on a pivot 39 43. The bell crank lever 43 is mounted on a pivot 44 which is connected to a suitable part (not shown) of the body 26 of the shuttleless loom. The bell crank lever 43 has a cam follower 45 mounted on the other arm or branch thereof and kept in contact with the surface of a cam 46 by means of a spring 47. The cam 46 is driven in synchronism with the feeding roller 14 by any suitable means, not shown, for instance by a gear transmission, in the direction of arrow M and rotates once for every first picking operation to cause the engaging pin to move in the engagement position thereby to limit the length of the weft yarn to be inserted. It will be appreciated that when the bell crank lever 43 is turned counterclockwise by the cam 46, the linkage 42 is moved rightwardly of the drawing to turn the connecting rod 40 and accordingly the bifurcated bell crank lever 38 clockwise, thereby causing the associated engaging pins 31 and 34 to enter into the respective holes 33 and 36 for retaining the weft yarns, whereas when the bell crank lever 43 is turned clockwise, then the linkage 42 is moved leftwardly to turn the bifurcated crank lever 38 counterclockwise, thereby causing the engaging pins 31 and 34 to leave the holes 33 and 36 for releasing the weft yarns therefrom.

In order to guide the weft yarns leaving the yarn outlets 21 and 22, a yarn guide means 48 is disposed in the path of the weft yarns. The yarn guide means 48 includes a first guide plate 49 having two guide holes 49a and 49b through which respective weft yarns are passed. The first guide plate 49 is supported by a supporting rod 50, which is shown as mounted on the air inlet portion 27 but may be mounted on any suitable part of the main body 26. The yarn guide means 48 further includes a second guide plate 51 which has two guide holes 510 and 51b through which the respective weft yarns are passed. Also disposed in the path of the weft yarns and adjacent the second guide plate 51 is a gripping means 52 adapted for temporarily gripping the weft yarn thereby to "prevent the same from being pulled into the storage chamber by the action of air flow passing therethrough and to prevent'the excess amount of the same from being inserted onto the shed of warp yarns, and comprising a pair of gripping devices 53 and 54. The gripping devices 53 and 54, which may be of any known construction, are adapted to move between gripping and releasing positions in synchronizm with the cam 46 by a suitable means, not shown. I

As previously noted, the yarn inserting means which is generally indicated at 55 is disposed adjacent the gripping means 52 for inserting respective weft yarns into the shed S of warp yarns. The yarn inserting means 55 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising a pair to nozzles 56 and 57 of fluid jet type but may comprise any other suitable devices, if desired. The nozzles 56 and 57 are connected to a source, not shown, of fluid pressure for inserting the weft yarns into the shed S. The nozzles 56 and 57 are coordinated in a certain sequence to effect alternating two consecutive insertions of the first weft yarn with two consecutive insertions of the second weft yarn into the shed S by a known suitable mechanism. Or otherwise, the nozzles 56 and 57 may be operated so as to synchronize with the cam 46 and gripping devices by a suitable means, not shown, for instance in accordance with weaving cycle diagrams shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8. An example of suit suitable means is fully disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,482,606 titled Multi-weft Fluid Jet Loom issued on Dec. 9, 1969, in the name of Yukio MIZUNO et al.

As shown in FIG. 1, a reed 58 is provided in the shuttleless loom for beating the inserted weft yarn into the fabric. The end portions of the weft yarn is cut off, when it has been inserted into the shed and beaten by the reed 58, by two cutting means 59 only one of which is shown in FIG. 1.

As previously stated, the weaving cycle diagrams are shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, which illustrate the relative motions of drive shaft, engaging pins, gripping devices and nozzles during one rotation of the drive shaft. In FIG. 5, position 0 denotes the reed at the beating-up position while at 180 the reed is moved to the far back position. FIG. 6 illustrates the next weaving phase, in which position 360 denotes the reed at beating-up position while at 540 the reed is moved to the far back position. In FIG. 7, position 720 denotes the reed at beating-up position while at 900 the reed is moved to the far back position. In FIG. 8, position l080 denotes the reed at beating-up position while at 1260 the reed is moved to the far back position.

In operation, the first and second weft yarns a and b supplied from the respective yarn supply packages 11 and 12 are continuously drawn off to the yarn feeding means 13. The weft yarns leaving the feeding means 13 are then fed through the yarn inlets and 23 into the storage chambers 19a and 22a. The weft yarns are temporarily stored in the respective storage chambers in loops by the action of the stream of air under pressure flowing therethrough. The weft yarns thus prepared are then passed through yarn outlets 21 and 24, the guide holes 49a and 51a, and 49b and 51b, respectively, to the gripping devices 53 and 54. The weft yarns leaving the gripping devices 53 and 54 are drawn into the nozzles 56 and 57, from which, the weft yarns are alternately inserted, each on two consecutive steps, into the shed S of warp yarns. The weft yarn thus inserted is then beaten by the reed 58 and thereafter the end portions of the same is cut off by the cutting means 59.

As previously noted, an important feature of this invention resides in the provision of the method capable of inserting a plurality different weft yarns into individual sheds of warp yarns each in two consecutive steps whereby the different or differently colored weft yarns are woven into the fabric or textile. It is to be noted that the method of this invention will be herein described as for preparing two separate weft yarns which are inserted into the individual sheds of warp yarns in the shuttleless loom by way of example only. The successive steps of preparing the weft yarns are diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 17 and the relationship between the length of the weft yarn and time in the stored condition in the storage chamber is exemplified in FIG. 9.

In the first phase of operation shown in FIG. 10, the first weft yarn a is fed into the storage chamber 19a at a predetermined rate until the weft yarn a is stored therein in an amount slightly less than what is required for two consecutive insertions since feeding of weft yarn is continuous and the remaining length of the weft yarn is fed into the storage chamber during insertion, beating and changing of shed, which amount is shown by AA' in the graph of FIG. 9. When the gripping device 53 is set in its open or releasing position with the nonle 56 being made operative as seen in FIG. 5, the first weft yarn a stored in the storage chamber 19a is withdrawn from the storage chamber 19a and inserted into the shed S of warp yarns by the action of the nozzle 56. It is to be noted in this instance that although the insertion of the first weft yarn a is initiated when the length of the first weft yarn a stored in the storage chamber 19a reaches an amount shown by AA' in FIG. 9, the first weft yarn a is continuously fed into the storage chamber 19a, during insertion, in an amount shown by 3-8 in FIG. 9 so that the total length of the first weft yarn a to be inserted into the shed will become L Since, in this condition, the engaging pin 31 is set in the engaging position, the first weft yarn a is engaged at a position shown in FIG. 11 by the engaging pin 31 so that a remaining portion of the weft yarn a is prevented from being inserted into the shed S of warp yarns. During the period of first insertion of the first weft yarn a, the second weft yarn b is fed into the storage chamber 22a at the same predetermined rate so that the second weft yarn b is stored in the storage chamber 220, see FIGS. 9, l0 and 11 for a subsequent picking. After a timed interval, the remaining portion of the first weft yarn a stored in the storage chamber 19a is increased to an amount shown by C-C' in- FIG. 9 as well as in FIG. 12 as shown by a broken line. In the immediately following phase, the engaging pin 31 is set in its disengagement position and the nozzle 56 is again rendered operative with the gripping device 53 being open, so that the whole remaining portion of the weft yarn a is caused to be inserted into the shed of the warp yarns. During the period of this second insertion, the weft yarn a is continuously fed into the storage chamber 19a so that an additional length of the remaining portion of the first weft yarn a reaches an amount shown by D-D' in FIG. 9 and the total length of the remaining portion of the first weft yarn a will become L FIG. 13 illustrates a condition that the weft yarn a is completely inserted into the shed S of warp yarns in two consecutive steps while the weft yarn b is stored in the storage chamber 22a for a next picking. A length of the second weft yarn b shown in FIG. 13 is represented by E-E in FIG. 9. As seen from FIG. 14, the second weft yarn b is further fed into the storage chamber 22a at the predetermined rate until the second weft yarn b is stored therein in the amount slightly less than what is required for next consecutive insertions for the reason discussed above, which amount is shown by E-E in FIG. 9. In the further phase, FIG. 7, the nozzle 57 is made operative and the gripping device 54 is set in its releasing position, so that the second weft yarn b stored in the storage chamber 22a is drawn therefrom and inserted into the shed S of warp yarns by the action of the nozzle 57 over the predetermined length L. Since, in

, this condition, the engaging pin 34 is maintained in its engaging position as seen from FIG. 7, the second weft yarn b is engaged by the engaging pin 34 at the position illustrated in FIG. so that the remaining portion of the weft yarn b is prevented from being inserted into the shed S of warp yarns. During first insertion of the second weft yarn b, the weft yarn b is continuously fed into the storage chamber 22a at the predetermined rate and, therefore, the weft yarn b is an amount as shown by F-F in FIG. 9 so that the total length of the second weft yarn b used in first insertion may be L Immediately after the first insertion of the second weft yarn b is completed, the second weft yarn b is still continuously fed into the storage chamber 22a until the remaining portion at the second weft yarn b is stored therein in an amount as shown by G-G in FIG. 9 as well as in FIG. 16 as shown by a solid line. In the last phase, the engaging pin 34 is moved to its disengaging position and the nozzle 57 is made operative with the gripping device 54 being open, see FIG. 8. At this instant, the remaining portion of the second weft yarn b is withdrawn from the storage chamber 22a and inserted into the shed S of warp yarns over the predetermined length L (=G-G l-I-H It is to be noted that during these two consecutive steps, the weft yarn a is continuously fed into the storage chamber 190 for a next cycle as seen in FIG. 17, whereupon the cycle of operation as prescribed will be repeated.

It is to be noted that the length of the weft yarn to be stored in the storage chamber before the initial insertion should be controlled in a range, for example, between 1.0 L and 1.5 L to perform the cycle of operation as prescribed in a satisfactory fashion. In the event that the weft yarn is fed into the storage chamber in an excess amount, that is, over more than 1.5 L, the weft yarn will be entangled during its insertion so that it is difficult to repeat the cycle of operation as prescribed. If, on the contrary, the length of the weft yarn stored in the storage chamber is less than 1.0 L, it is difficult to effect insertion of the weft yarn in the predetermined length appropriate for obtaining a satisfactory fabric.

Under these circumstances, if the maximum length of the weft yarn to be fed into the storage chamber is 1.4 L immediately before the first pick of the weft yarn takes place, the engaging pins may be preferably disposed in a position at one-fourth of L from the yarn inlet of the storage chamber so as to smoothly cycle the operation. In this condition, the total length ofthe weft yarn retained by the engaging pin is 0.5 L since the weft yarn is maintained in the storage chamber in loop form. In the first insertion of the first weft yarn, the weft yarn is used for 0.9 L, viz., 1.4 L minus 0.5 L and further 0.1

L is added to 0.9 L during the period of insertion of the weft yarn until the total length becomes 1.0 L. In this condition, 0.5 L of the weft yarn is retained by the engaging pin after the completion of the first insertion and 0.4 L is added thereto before the second insertion occurs. Consequently, the length of the weft yarn to be inserted reaches 0.9 L at the beginning of insertion and a further 0.1 L is added thereto during its insertion.

On the other hand, the length of the second weft yarn is 1.0 L when the second insertion of the first weft yarn A modified form of the apparatus according to this invention is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, wherein like component parts are designated by same numerals with the exception that a prime has been added thereto. As best shown in FIG. 19, the storage means 17 and 18 have, in addition to the yarn inlet 20' and 23', downwardly opening yarn outlets 60 and 61, respectively. The storing members 19' and 22' have ports 62 and 63 which are operatively connected to an air suction device for creating a suction force within the storage chambers 19'11 and 22a to store the weft yarn loops therein. In this modified form, the sleeves are removed from the respective storage members and elongated holes 64 and 65 are directly provided in the storage members 19' and 22, respectively, in a position shown in FIG. 19. The engaging means includes two engaging pins 66 and 67 adapted to move between engaging and disengaging positions. The engaging pins 66 and 67 are connected to an arm 68 which in turn is connected to an angled lever 69. The lever 69 is pivotally supported at its fulcrum 70 and is normally biased by a spring 71 in a direction to cause the engaging pins to move in the disengaging position. The lever 69 has on the other end a cam follower 72 adapted to control the lever and the pin movements by a rotatable cam 73.

When, in operation, the cam follower 72 contacts the projection (not identified) of the cam 73, the lever 69 is caused to turn clockwise against the force of the spring 71. At this instant, the arm 68 is moved upwardly of FIGS. 20 and 21, and accordingly the engaging pins 66 and 67 are moved into the holes 64 and 65 to occupy the engaging position. When, on the contrary, the projection of the cam 73 disengages with the cam follower 72, the lever 69 is turned counter clockwise by the action of the spring 71 so that the arm 68 is moved downwardly of the drawing, thereby removing the pins 66 and 67 from the holes 64 and 65. Thus, the engaging pins 66 and 67 are maintained in their disengaging positions.

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 illustrates still another modified form of the apparatus according to this invention which issubstantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, except that two pairs of endless belts 74 and 74' and 75 and 75' are used as storage means. In this particular modification, the storage means includes, in addition to the endless belts 74 and 74', and 75 and 75', two drive rollers 76 and 77, two first idle rollers 78 and 79 spaced apart from the drive rollers 76 and 77 for carrying thereon the endless belts 74' and 75', two press rollers 80 and 81 which are in contact with and driven by the drive rollers 76 and 77, respectively, and two second idle rollers 82 and 83 spaced apart from the press rollers 80 and 81 at the same side as the first idle rollers 78 and 79 for carrying thereon the endless belts 74 and 75 and disposed in a spaced relationship with respect to the first idle rollers 78 and 79 so that angular spaces are provided between the endless belts 74 and 74' as well as between belts 75 and 75', diverging from the tangential contact lines of the endless belts 74 and 74' as well as of the endless belts 75 and 75'. The drive rollers 76 and 77 and pressing rollers 80 and 81 cooperate with each other to draw two separate weft yarns between the endless belts 74 and 74' and 75 and 75 respectively, and to convey and temporarily store the weft yarns therebetween. As shown FIG. 23 a pair of guide plates 84 and 85 are disposed adjacent the pair of endless belts 74 and 74 and also belts 75 and 75, respectively. The guide plates 84 and 85 have slots 86 and 87 which are substantially aligned with the angular space formed between the respective endless belts for permitting the weft yarns stored therebetween to pass through. The guide plates 84 and 85 each includes two projections 84a and 84b and two projections 85a and 85b, respectively, each extending laterally from the respective guide plates 84 and 85. The projections 84a and 84b, and 85a and 85b have holes 88 and 89, respectively, in which two engaging pins 90 and 91 are adapted to be movable between the engaging and disengaging positions. The pins 90 and 91 are connected to an arm 92 having a bent portion 92a connected to the lever 69. The operations of the engaging pins 90 and 91 are the same as those shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 21, and, therefore, a detailed description of the same is herein omitted.

Still another modified form of the apparatus according to this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 25, 26 and 27, wherein like component parts are assigned to same numerals with the exception that a prime or a double prime have been added thereto. In this modification, the storage members 19" and 22" is provided with guide slots 95 and 96 extending along the longitudinal axis of the storage members, in which slots pins 97 and 98 are adapted to be movable by the operation of an actuating means 99. The actuating means 99 includes a pair of supports 100 and 101 for supporting the pins 97 and 98 at opposite ends thereof, and driving means 102 and 103 for moving to and from the supports 100 and 101 to cause reciprocating movements of the pins 97 and 98 through the slots 95 and 96. The actuating means 102 includes spaced gears 104 and 105 and a chain 106 engaging therewith. Likewise, the actuating means 103 includes spaced gears 107 and 108 and a chain 109 engaging therewith. The gears may be connected to and driven by any suitable driving means (not shown). The supports 100 and 101 are rotatably connected to the chains 106 and 109. It will be appreciated that when the gears are rotated by the driving means, the supports 100 and 101 are moved by the associated chains 106 and 109 so that the pins 97 and 98 are moved to and for through the slots 95 and 96, and the weft yarns are engaged by the pins 97 and 98 when the pins assume the position shown in FIG. 25, whereas when the pins assumes the position nearest to the yarn inlets and 23", the remaining portion of the weft yarn is inserted into the shed of warp yarns.

FIG. 28 illustrates an auxiliary device for use in the apparatus according to this invention, the device comprises a post 110 mounted vertically to the loom body 26 which post 110 has a slot 111 formed in the upper end of the post, and a grasping means 112 mounted adjustable to the slot 111 of the post 110, for temporarily grasping the weft yarn withdrawn from the outlet of one of the storage means, whereby each of the weft yarns is picked in sequence at the starting operation of the loom, during which the other weft yarn is being fed in an amount in excess of the predetermined amount into the storage member. It is to be understood that this device is advantageous for adjusting the length of the weft yarn at the starting operation of the loom to smoothly perform and carry out the method of inserting two consecutive picks of each individual weft yarn.

It will now be understood from the foregoing description that according to this invention, it is possible in a shuttleless loom to prepare a plurality of separate weft yarns each in two consecutive picks into individual sheds of arrayed warp yarns by which different or differently colored weft yarns may be picked to provide a fabric having special features.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of continuously preparing a plurality of separate weft yarns each to be inserted in two consecutive steps into a shed of arrayed warp yarns in a shuttleless loom having a plurality of yarn supply packages and a plurality of storage members comprising the repeated steps of:

drawing said plurality of weft yarns from said plurality of yarn supply packages at a predetermined rate; feeding said weft yarns in different phases into respective storage members at said predetermined rate; drawing out a predetermined length of one of weft yarns retained in one of said storage members and inserting the same into said shed of warp yarns while feeding said weft yarns into said respective storage members at said predetermined rate; drawing out a remaining portion of said one of weft yarns retained in said one of storage members and inserting the same in sequence into a shed of warp yarns changed between said consecutive steps while continuously feeding said weft yarns into said respective storage members; and drawing out a predetermined length of another one of said weft yarns in sequence after said remaining portion of said one of said weft yarns has been inserted in said two consecutive steps in said shed of warp yarns changed between said two consecutive steps for commencing a succeeding cycle.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each of said weft yarns is engaged by an engaging member associated with each of said storage members so as to retain an appropriate length of the weft yarn in the respective storage member for insertion into said shed of warp yarns.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein each of said weft yarns is cut off after the same has been inserted into said shed of warp yarns.

4. An apparatus for continuously preparing a plurality of weft yarns to be inserted in two consecutive steps into individual sheds of arrayed warp yarns in a shuttleless loom and having feeding means for continuously feeding a plurality of separate weft yarns at a predetermined rate from respective yarn supply packages, and means for inserting the weft yarn into said individual sheds; said apparatus comprising a plurality of storage means disposed between said feeding means and said inserting means for continuously storing loops of said plurality of weft yarns in lengths to be inserted in two consecutive steps into said individual sheds, respective engaging means associated with said plurality of storage means for periodically engaging a respective one of said loops of said plurality of weft yarns to retain an appropriate length of the weft yarn in the respective storage means for insertion into a next consecutive shed of arrayed warp yarns, and actuating means having means for simultaneously moving said respective engaging means to a position to engage said respective one of said loops of said plurality of weft yarns at timed intervals whereby the weft yarn retained by said storing means is successively drawn into said inserting means by which each of said weft yarns is inserted, in two consecutive steps, into said individual sheds.

S. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said storing means includes a tubular member having therein a storage chamber for storing a loop of the weft yarn.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said engaging means includes a pin which is movable to a position to engage each of the weft yarn in the associated storage means.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said storage member has an elongated slot extending longitudinally of said storage member for guiding the weft yarn; and said pin is movable transversely to said elongated slot to engage the weft yarn.

8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said storage member has two holes through which said pin is movable in a direction transversely to said loop of said weft yarn to engage the same.

9. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said storage member has formed in its side walls guide slots extending along the longitudinal axis of said storage member through which said pin is movable along said slot to engage the weft yarn.

10. An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a post vertically mounted between one of said storage means and the associated inserting means, and grasping means mounted on said post for temporarily retaining one of said weft yarns withdrawn from the associated storage means at start-up stage of the weaving operation when the other of said weft yarns is inserted into the shed of warp yarns;

11. In a shuttleless loom, an apparatus for continuously preparing two separate weft yarns to be inserted into individual sheds of warp yarns comprising two drive rollers driven at a predetermined speed, first two idle rollers spaced apart from said drive rollers first two endless belts carried respectively on two said drive and first idle rollers, respectively, two press rollers disposed on said driving rollers, two second idle rollers positioned over said first idle rollers at a spacing therefrom and spaced apart from said press rollers, second two endless belts carried respectively on two pairs of said pressing and second idle rollers, respectively, said drive rollers and press rollers cooperating with one another to draw two separate weft yarns between two pairs of said first and second belts and said separate weft yarns being conveyed on said first belts, and two engaging means which are respectively disposed in the paths of said weft yarns conveyed on said first belts, said engaging means being movable transversely to said first belts, wherein each of said weft yarns is conveyed on its first belt for a length corresponding to that of said each of said weft yarns to be inserted into the individual sheds in two consecutive steps 

1. A method of continuously preparing a plurality of separate weft yarns each to be inserted in two consecutive steps into a shed of arrayed warp yarns in a shuttleless loom having a plurality of yarn supply packages and a plurality of storage members comprising the repeated steps of: drawing said plurality of weft yarns from said plurality of yarn supply packages at a predetermined rate; feeding said weft yarns in different phases into respective storage members at said predetermined rate; drawing out a predetermined length of one of weft yarns retained in one of said storage members and inserting the same into said shed of warp yarns while feeding said weft yarns into said respective storage members at said predetermined rate; drawing out a remaining portion of said one of weft yarns retained in said one of storage members and inserting the same in sequence into a shed of warp yarns changed between said consecutive steps while continuously feeding said weft yarns into said respective storage members; and drawing out a predetermined length of another one of said weft yarns in sequence after said remaining portion of said one of said weft yarns has been inserted in said two consecutive steps in said shed of warp yarns changed between said two consecutive steps for commencing a succeeding cycle.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each of said weft yarns is engaged by an engaging member associated with each of said storage members so as to retain an appropriate length of the weft yarn in the respective storage member for insertion into said shed of warp yarns.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein each of said weft yarns is cut off after the same has been inserted into said shed of warp yarns.
 4. An apparatus for continuously preparing a plurality of weft yarns to be inserted in two consecutive steps into individual sheds of arrayed warp yarns in a shuttleless loom and having feeding means for continuously feeding a plurality of separate weft yarns at a predetermined rate from respective yarn supply packages, and means for inserting the weft yarn into said individual sheds; said apparatus comprising a plurality of storage means disposed between said Feeding means and said inserting means for continuously storing loops of said plurality of weft yarns in lengths to be inserted in two consecutive steps into said individual sheds, respective engaging means associated with said plurality of storage means for periodically engaging a respective one of said loops of said plurality of weft yarns to retain an appropriate length of the weft yarn in the respective storage means for insertion into a next consecutive shed of arrayed warp yarns, and actuating means having means for simultaneously moving said respective engaging means to a position to engage said respective one of said loops of said plurality of weft yarns at timed intervals whereby the weft yarn retained by said storing means is successively drawn into said inserting means by which each of said weft yarns is inserted, in two consecutive steps, into said individual sheds.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said storing means includes a tubular member having therein a storage chamber for storing a loop of the weft yarn.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said engaging means includes a pin which is movable to a position to engage each of the weft yarn in the associated storage means.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said storage member has an elongated slot extending longitudinally of said storage member for guiding the weft yarn; and said pin is movable transversely to said elongated slot to engage the weft yarn.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said storage member has two holes through which said pin is movable in a direction transversely to said loop of said weft yarn to engage the same.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said storage member has formed in its side walls guide slots extending along the longitudinal axis of said storage member through which said pin is movable along said slot to engage the weft yarn.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a post vertically mounted between one of said storage means and the associated inserting means, and grasping means mounted on said post for temporarily retaining one of said weft yarns withdrawn from the associated storage means at start-up stage of the weaving operation when the other of said weft yarns is inserted into the shed of warp yarns.
 11. In a shuttleless loom, an apparatus for continuously preparing two separate weft yarns to be inserted into individual sheds of warp yarns comprising two drive rollers driven at a predetermined speed, first two idle rollers spaced apart from said drive rollers first two endless belts carried respectively on two said drive and first idle rollers, respectively, two press rollers disposed on said driving rollers, two second idle rollers positioned over said first idle rollers at a spacing therefrom and spaced apart from said press rollers, second two endless belts carried respectively on two pairs of said pressing and second idle rollers, respectively, said drive rollers and press rollers cooperating with one another to draw two separate weft yarns between two pairs of said first and second belts and said separate weft yarns being conveyed on said first belts, and two engaging means which are respectively disposed in the paths of said weft yarns conveyed on said first belts, said engaging means being movable transversely to said first belts, wherein each of said weft yarns is conveyed on its first belt for a length corresponding to that of said each of said weft yarns to be inserted into the individual sheds in two consecutive steps. 